After a thorough examination, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge engineers have decided to replace a damaged girder on the Interstate 90 overpass above Front Street in Issaquah.
An over-height garbage truck struck and damaged the bridge March 13, 2015. The truck punctured a large hole in one of the bridge’s girders.
“By our estimate, it’ll cost $1.2 million to replace the damaged girder,” said Dave McCormick, WSDOT assistant regional administrator. “We’ll get started on construction later this year.”
Until construction is complete, large trucks travelling eastbound on I-90 are asked to use the left two lanes as a safety precaution. The right shoulder across the overpass will remain closed.
WSDOT is attempting to recover the $1.2 million from the garbage company’s insurance provider. In the meantime, emergency federal funds will be used to move forward with the replacement work.